
Hitchin Coffee Lab
Quick info
About Hitchin Coffee Lab
Hitchin Coffee Lab is a coffee shop at 29 Sun St in Hitchin, just off the market square. The team roasts its speciality coffee in-house in Hertford and sells the beans by the bag, with a free coffee included when you buy one. The food side covers sandwiches, pastries and cakes, with the baked goods kept in a display case. Dogs are welcome, and the puppuccino gives them a drink of their own while their owners order. Service is walk-in, and a big room inside holds the tables.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- Good for kidsGood for kids
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention puppuccino for dogs, pastry selection, flat white and locally roasted coffee beans.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention puppuccino for dogs, pastry selection, flat white and locally roasted coffee beans.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee is the draw, with several reviewers calling it the best in Hitchin and singling out a smooth flat white and a latte that arrived quickly. A few also buy the beans to take home. Close behind are the staff, described repeatedly as friendly, and the pastries and cakes, which one reviewer calls fresh and delicious in the display case. The space is described as peaceful and clean, with tables inside and a couple outside. Complaints are few but specific. One reviewer says the manager loudly berated a young employee in front of waiting customers over two bags accidentally bought at a self-service checkout, and will not return despite calling the coffee good. Another found the vegan options limited, with the one they tried quite sweet, and thought the iced latte could be more aromatic with less acidic aftertaste. Dog owners mention the puppuccino, and one says the pup cup kept their dog busy long enough for them to finish their cakes.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee is the draw, with several reviewers calling it the best in Hitchin and singling out a smooth flat white and a latte that arrived quickly. A few also buy the beans to take home. Close behind are the staff, described repeatedly as friendly, and the pastries and cakes, which one reviewer calls fresh and delicious in the display case. The space is described as peaceful and clean, with tables inside and a couple outside. Complaints are few but specific. One reviewer says the manager loudly berated a young employee in front of waiting customers over two bags accidentally bought at a self-service checkout, and will not return despite calling the coffee good. Another found the vegan options limited, with the one they tried quite sweet, and thought the iced latte could be more aromatic with less acidic aftertaste. Dog owners mention the puppuccino, and one says the pup cup kept their dog busy long enough for them to finish their cakes.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Amazing!!Had an amazing latte, they waited patiently And kindly while we decided And chose, lovely atmosphere, beautiful presentation, extremely quick by the time we'd sat down they were bringing out drinks over, amazing experience!!”
- Google user
“Great choice of coffee and cakes. Staff very friendly and professional. Would definitely come here again.”
- Google user
“I had such a wonderful visit to this cafe. The selection of pastries is absolutely incredible, and everything in the display case looks fresh and delicious. My dog was just as happy as I was, especially since they offer a puppuccino. It is so nice to find a spot that is truly welcoming to everyone. We will definitely be back soon.”
- Google user
“Yes, the coffee was good. However, the manager publicly humiliated a young employee, and so will not be returning. Over what was a minor issue - two bags had been purchased instead of one at a self-service checkout - the manager stood clearly in front of us as we waited for our coffees and spoke to the employee loudly in a way that was patronising, condescending, and with the tones of a school bully. If you thought we would be impressed by your ‘leadership’, I am afraid you misjudged the situation entirely. Perhaps you will learn that public embarrassment does not feel good and will offer that employee a sincere apology.”
- Google user
“Amazing independent coffee shop in Hitchin. Wherever I go in the world, I always seek out the best local independent coffee shops and this one is up there with my global faves. Bonus points that it's now my local coffee shop. Super friendly staff, great food selection, coffee is fantastic. Buy my beans from here now, too. Free coffee with a bag of beans purchase. Worth the extra 30 second walk to avoid the big chains on the other side of the town square!”
Highlights
“Independent chain, serving speciality coffee, roasted in-house in Hertford, and freshly prepared sandwiches and bakery items. Family & dog friendly”
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for solo dining
- Popular for good for working on laptop
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
Show more amenities
- Vegan options
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Dessert
- Dining options· 3
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Seating
- Highlights· 1
- Great tea selection
- Facilities· 2
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Trendy
- Crowd· 3
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
- Offerings· 2
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Popular for· 2
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
- Pet-friendly· 2
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside